MG Chemicals 550, Double Sided Copper Clad Boards, 1/16", 1oz Copper, 6"X6", Case of 5
MG Chemicals 550, Double Sided Copper Clad Boards, 1/16", 1oz Copper, 6"X6", Case of 5
MG Chemicals 550 is a double-sided copper-clad FR4 board for PCB prototyping and small production runs. Each nominal 6 × 6-inch square blank combines a 1/16-inch glass-epoxy laminate with 1 oz copper cladding and copper on both faces. It gives engineers, electronics workshops, students and hobbyists a starting surface for custom circuits requiring two copper faces. This listing supplies a case of five boards.
Best Uses / Applications
- Double-sided PCB prototypes fitting a 6 × 6-inch starting blank.
- Small production runs using a suitable resist and etching process.
- Electronics education and hands-on circuit fabrication.
- Custom square layouts needing more starting area than a 3 × 5-inch blank.
This is an unpatterned copper-clad laminate, not a finished circuit, pre-drilled perfboard or solderless breadboard. Copper on both faces does not by itself provide plated-through interconnections.
Key Features
- Continuous woven glass cloth impregnated with epoxy resin.
- FR4, described by the manufacturer as the flame-retardant version of G-10.
- Double-sided construction with 1 oz copper cladding, nominally 35 µm or 1.37 mil copper thickness.
- Less copper to remove than comparable 2 oz cladding, allowing quicker etching under comparable conditions.
- DICY (dicyandiamide) cured system and UV-blocking construction.
- Manufacturer describes easy cutting without specialized equipment; use a suitable method and follow the SDS.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / part number | MG Chemicals / 550 |
| Family | 500 Series Copper Clad Boards |
| Construction | Double-sided copper-clad FR4 glass-epoxy laminate |
| Board dimensions | 6 × 6 in. nominal; manufacturer product-page listing 152 × 152 mm |
| Laminate thickness | 1/16 in. nominal / manufacturer listing 1.6 mm |
| Copper cladding designation | 1 oz |
| Nominal copper thickness | 35 µm / 1.37 mil |
| Sales package | Case of 5 boards |
| Cure system | DICY |
| UV blocking | Yes, per manufacturer |
| Manufacturer-reported conformance | UL file E214381 and IPC-4101C/21 |
| Flammability, typical family data | 94 V-0, UL-94 |
| Maximum operating temperature, typical | 130°C |
| Glass transition temperature, typical | 140°C |
| Moisture absorption, typical | 0.25% |
| Dielectric constant at 1 GHz, typical | 4.2 |
| Dissipation factor at 1 GHz, typical | 0.015 |
| Dielectric strength, typical | 1,200–1,400 V/mil |
| Peel strength, 1 oz copper, typical | 10–12 lb/in. as received; 9–12 lb/in. after thermal stress |
| Flexural strength, typical | 600 MPa warp; 500 MPa fill |
| Storage | 18–27°C, dry and away from sunlight; sealed airtight and protected from humidity |
Performance figures are manufacturer-published typical family values for reference, not guaranteed design limits. Qualify the laminate and fabrication process for your assembly.
Dimension reference: The manufacturer product page specifies 550 as 152 × 152 mm / 6 × 6 inches. The shared TDS lists 6 × 6 inches but gives an inconsistent metric entry of 101 × 152 mm. This description follows the product-page dimensions.
Compare the Copper-Clad Board Family
| Part | Sides | Nominal size | Laminate / copper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 503 | Single | 3 × 5 in. | 1/16 in. / 1 oz |
| 506 | Single | 4 × 6 in. | 1/16 in. / 1 oz |
| 515 | Single | 8 × 10 in. | 1/16 in. / 1 oz |
| 521 | Single | 12 × 12 in. | 1/16 in. / 1 oz |
| 540 | Double | 3 × 5 in. | 1/16 in. / 1 oz |
| 550 | Double | 6 × 6 in. | 1/16 in. / 1 oz |
| 555 | Double | 12 × 12 in. | 1/16 in. / 1 oz |
| 588 | Single | 6 × 9 in. | 1/32 in. / 1/2 oz |
Family specifications above follow manufacturer documentation, not potentially conflicting legacy listing titles. Choose size, copper weight, laminate thickness and number of copper faces separately.
Fabrication and Storage Guidance
Confirm layout dimensions and layer requirements before fabrication. The manufacturer describes using an anti-etch PCB pen and copper etchant. Plan patterning and processing for both faces, follow each chemical's instructions, and inspect the circuit before assembly. Follow the board SDS and all tool instructions. Store unused boards in an airtight container at 18–27°C in a dry area away from sunlight and humidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is MG Chemicals 550?
The manufacturer product page lists 6 × 6 inches, approximately 152 × 152 mm. Its shared TDS contains an inconsistent metric entry; use the product-page size and confirm critical tolerances before fabrication.
Is copper present on both sides?
Yes. 550 is double-sided copper-clad FR4 with the manufacturer's 1 oz copper cladding designation.
What does 1 oz copper mean?
It is the copper cladding weight designation, with a manufacturer-listed nominal thickness of 35 µm or 1.37 mil. It is not the total board weight.
How many boards are supplied?
This listing supplies a case of five 550 boards.
Is this a finished two-layer PCB?
No. It is an unpatterned blank. Your design still needs an appropriate fabrication process and any required interconnections.
How does it differ from 540 and 555?
All three are double-sided 1 oz copper-clad FR4 in the same listed thickness. 540 is 3 × 5 inches, 550 is 6 × 6 inches and 555 is 12 × 12 inches.
Why use 1 oz instead of 2 oz copper?
The manufacturer notes quicker etching because less copper must be removed. Select copper weight for electrical and process requirements, not speed alone.
How should unused boards be stored?
Keep at 18–27°C, dry and away from sunlight, sealed in an airtight container and protected from humidity.
Technical and Safety Documents
MG Chemicals 500 Series Copper Clad Boards Technical Data Sheet
Manufacturer revision October 6, 2025, version 3.0.
MG Chemicals 500 Series Copper Clad Boards Safety Data Sheet
Manufacturer revision February 28, 2020, version 2.01; includes part 550.
Manufacturer Copper-Clad Laminate Family Reference
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